NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 18 recalls and 114 owner complaints for the 2013 Ram 3500.
Steering complaints dominate the 2013 Ram 3500 owner reports, with a significant number of drivers describing what they call "death wobble", a violent front-end shudder that typically triggers at highway speeds, often over rough or uneven pavement. Owners connect this to drag link and track bar hardware, with several reporting that dealer repairs involved welding jam nuts to the drag link, which some say made proper alignment difficult or impossible afterward. Engine complaints form the second-largest cluster, though the specific symptoms described vary more widely. Suspension reports largely overlap with the steering theme, with front-end geometry and track bar bracket integrity showing up repeatedly. A separate but notable pattern involves the hydraulic brake booster pressure line, where owners describe the plastic inner lining deteriorating and contaminating the booster, resulting in simultaneous brake and power steering degradation.
114
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 RAM 3500 has 18 recalls, the most serious being several that can cause a loss of steering control, including a loosening nut in the 4x4 steering system, a separating front track bar bracket, and a drag link that can pull free from its connection.
On vehicles modified by American Expedition Vehicles with cast aluminum Katla wheels, the wheel's outer surface can fracture and cause rapid air loss. Wheel stud breakage and full wheel separation are also possible on certain trucks where incorrect torque information in the owner's manual led to over-tightened lug nuts. The column shifter on certain trims can be moved without pressing the brake pedal or without a key in the ignition, allowing the truck to roll away unexpectedly. Side impact sensors calibrated too sensitively can trigger the side curtain airbags, seat airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners without a crash occurring, and a steering wheel wiring harness can wear against the driver airbag retainer and cause the airbag to deploy without warning. The infotainment system on certain trucks has a software vulnerability that can allow remote access to vehicle controls. A coolant leak from certain diesel engine water pumps raises the risk of an engine compartment fire, and the 220-amp alternator can fail suddenly, potentially stalling the truck or shorting and causing a fire. The power locking tailgate can swing open while driving, dropping cargo onto the road. A fire extinguisher included on certain vehicles may fail to discharge properly. On vehicles with optional premium headlamps or tail lamps
At a glance
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The owner's manual contains incorrect torque specifications for wheel lug nuts. Following these specs can cause over-tightening, which may break wheel studs and lead to wheel separation.
What the fix does
Dealers will correct the torque specifications in the owner's manual and service documents, and inspect and replace wheel studs as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power locking tailgate may unlock and open while the truck is being driven, allowing unsecured cargo to fall out onto the road.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify the tailgate locking mechanism to prevent it from opening while driving.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture, causing the power locking tailgate to unlatch and open while the truck is driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the tailgate latch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nut securing the outboard steering linkage may loosen, causing the drag link to separate from one end.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the steering linkage nut tightness and either replace the drag link assembly or weld the nut to the adjuster sleeve.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A nut in the steering linkage can loosen on 4x4 trucks, potentially causing loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the steering linkage nut. If loose, the drag link assembly is replaced. If tight, the nut is welded to prevent loosening.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to spray, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may separate from the valve assembly with enough force to cause injury and make the extinguisher unusable.
What the fix does
Chrysler will provide a replacement fire extinguisher at no cost. Contact Kidde or Chrysler to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Holding the brake pedal down for extended periods while parked may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock pin to stick open, allowing the transmission to shift out of Park without pressing the brake or turning on the ignition.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the software, inspect the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock, and replace it if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The water pump may leak coolant because it lacks a vent hole, potentially causing engine overheating.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the water pump at no cost to restore proper cooling system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels on your truck's outer surface may crack, causing the tire to lose air rapidly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace your wheels with new wheels of similar value at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 220 amp alternator may suddenly fail, leaving the vehicle without charging power.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front suspension track bar bracket may have weak welds that crack and separate from the frame during manufacturing. This reduces steering response and can affect vehicle handling.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the bracket. If intact, they'll add support brackets. If cracked or separated, they'll weld a new bracket to the frame.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The welds holding the front track bar frame brackets may be weak, allowing bracket components to separate from the frame.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front track bar bracket and install a reinforcement bracket to secure it.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The radio software has security weaknesses that could let unauthorized people access some vehicle control systems through a network connection.
What the fix does
A software update will be installed via USB drive (mailed free, downloadable, or installed at a dealer) to close the security vulnerability.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side impact sensors are overly sensitive, which can cause the side air bag curtains, seat air bags, and seat belt pre-tensioners to deploy unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration to correct the sensor sensitivity.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering wheel wiring harness may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring, potentially causing damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and secure the wiring harness, add protective caps to the air bag retainer spring ends, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The turn signal system may fail to alert you when a turn signal bulb burns out, as required by safety standards. This could increase crash risk if you're unaware a signal isn't working.
What the fix does
The dealer will reprogram the vehicle's central control computer to restore the malfunction alert system.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The headlamp shutters may not work correctly when the high-beam mode is activated, causing the headlamps to fail to meet federal lighting standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will reconfigure the Central Body Controller at no charge to restore proper headlamp shutter function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The turn signal indicator may not flash at double rate to alert the driver when a turn signal malfunctions, failing to meet federal lamp safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Central Body Controller software at no cost to restore proper turn signal indicator function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
